U.S. patent application number 12/014831 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-13 for developer supply container and image forming apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Takuji MATSUMOTO, Kazuhiro SAITO, Kiyoshi SAKOH.
Application Number | 20080279594 12/014831 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39969653 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080279594 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SAKOH; Kiyoshi ; et
al. |
November 13, 2008 |
DEVELOPER SUPPLY CONTAINER AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS
Abstract
A developer supply container includes a container body, a
developer conveyance member, and a clog prevention member. The
container body includes an outlet port and contains and contains
developer therein. The developer conveyance member includes a
rotational shaft and a conveyance-member body. The
conveyance-member body is supported by the rotational shaft and has
flexibility. The developer conveyance member is disposed in the
container body and conveys the developer to the outlet port for
discharge. The clog prevention member is formed in the
conveyance-member body in a position corresponding to the outlet
port. The clog prevention member goes into the outlet port to
protrude to outside of the container body as the rotational shaft
rotates.
Inventors: |
SAKOH; Kiyoshi;
(Saitama-shi, JP) ; MATSUMOTO; Takuji;
(Saitama-shi, JP) ; SAITO; Kazuhiro; (Saitama-shi,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE-265550
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVE. NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20037-3213
US
|
Assignee: |
FUJI XEROX CO., LTD.
Tokyo
JP
|
Family ID: |
39969653 |
Appl. No.: |
12/014831 |
Filed: |
January 16, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
399/262 ;
399/263 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G03G 2215/068 20130101;
G03G 15/0879 20130101; G03G 15/0877 20130101; G03G 15/0875
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
399/262 ;
399/263 |
International
Class: |
G03G 15/08 20060101
G03G015/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 7, 2007 |
JP |
2007-122738 |
Claims
1. A developer supply container comprising: a container body that
includes an outlet port and contains and contains developer
therein; a developer conveyance member that includes a rotational
shaft, and a conveyance-member body that is supported by the
rotational shaft and has flexibility, the developer conveyance
member that is disposed in the container body and conveys the
developer to the outlet port for discharge; and a clog prevention
member formed in the conveyance-member body in a position
corresponding to the outlet port, the clog prevention member that
goes into the outlet port to protrude to outside of the container
body as the rotational shaft rotates.
2. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the
clog prevention member is different in free length from portions of
the conveyance-member body other than the clog prevention
member.
3. The developer supply container according to claim 2, wherein the
free length of the clog prevention member is shorter than those of
portions of the conveyance-member body in regions adjacent to the
clog prevention member.
4. The developer supply container according to claim 1, wherein the
clog prevention member is defined by (i) slit portions formed in
the conveyance-member body and (ii) virtual lines extending from
base ends of the slit portions to a side of the conveyance-member
body, and the following expression is satisfied: A.ltoreq.R<r
where R denotes a distance from an inner wall, in a position of the
outlet port, of the container body to a center of the rotational
shaft, A denotes a distance from the center of the rotational shaft
to the base ends of the slit portions, and r denotes a distance
from the center of the rotational shaft to an end portion of the
clog prevention member on a free end side.
5. The developer supply container according to claim 4, wherein the
following expression is satisfied: B'.gtoreq.B where B denotes a
width from an upstream end edge of the outlet port in a rotational
direction of the rotational shaft to a downstream end edge of the
outlet port in the rotational direction of the rotational shaft,
and B' denotes a distance from the base ends of the slit portions
to the end portion of the clog prevention member on the free end
side.
6. The developer supply container according to claim 4, wherein
growth preventing portions are formed in the base ends of the slit
portions, and the growth prevention portions prevent the slit
portions from growing during use of the developer conveyance
member.
7. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image carrier; a
developing device that develops a latent image on a surface of the
image carrier into a visible image; the developer supply container
according to claim 1 that contains new developer to be supplied to
the developing device; a transfer device that transfers the visible
image developed by the developing device to a medium; and a fixing
device that fixes the transferred visible image on the medium.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based on and claims priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.119 from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-122738
filed on May 7, 2007.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The invention relates to a developer supply container and an
image forming apparatus.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] In image forming apparatuses such as an
electrophotographic-type copier and an electrophotographic-type
printer, a developing device develops a latent image formed on a
surface of a photoconductor, and the developed visible image is
transferred to a medium and fixed thereon, thereby forming an
image. In such an image forming apparatus, developer for use in
image formation is supplied from a developer supply container, that
is, a so-called toner cartridge to the developing device.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to an aspect of the invention, a developer supply
container includes a container body, a developer conveyance member,
and a clog prevention member. The container body includes an outlet
port and contains and contains developer therein. The developer
conveyance member includes a rotational shaft and a
conveyance-member body. The conveyance-member body is supported by
the rotational shaft and has flexibility. The developer conveyance
member is disposed in the container body and conveys the developer
to the outlet port for discharge. The clog prevention member is
formed in the conveyance-member body in a position corresponding to
the outlet port. The clog prevention member goes into the outlet
port to protrude to outside of the container body as the rotational
shaft rotates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will be described
below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating an
image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment 1 of
the invention;
[0009] FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory view illustrating the image
forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating a
state where a side cover of the image forming apparatus according
to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention is opened;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a state where a
toner cartridge as an example of a developer accommodation
container is attached and detached;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a developer
conveyance device according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention, FIG. 5A is an explanatory view thereof when viewed from
a obliquely rear direction, and FIG. 5B is a view thereof when
viewed from the direction of an arrow VB in FIG. 5A;
[0013] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
between the developer conveyance device and a developing device
according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged explanatory view illustrating a main
portion of an inlet port of the developer conveyance device
according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention;
[0015] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating a developer
conveyance member according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developer supply
container according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention;
[0017] FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrating the developer
supply container according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a sectional explanatory view illustrating the
developer supply container according to the exemplary embodiment 1
of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a rotational
shaft of an agitator as an example of the developer conveyance
member according to the exemplary embodiment 1, FIG. 12A is a
perspective view thereof, and FIG. 12B is a side view thereof when
viewed from the direction of an arrow XIIB in FIG. 12A;
[0020] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating a film member as
an example of a conveyance-member body of the agitator according to
the exemplary embodiment 1;
[0021] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
between a clog prevention member and a supply developer outlet port
according to the exemplary embodiment 1, FIG. 14A is an explanatory
view illustrating a state where the clog prevention member
protrudes from the developer outlet port, FIG. 14B is an
explanatory view illustrating a free length of the clog prevention
member, and FIG. 14C is an explanatory view illustrating a free
length of the clog prevention member according to a modified
example of the exemplary embodiment 1;
[0022] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
in length between the clog prevention member and the supply
developer outlet port according to the exemplary embodiment 1;
and
[0023] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
between a length from a base end portion of a slit portion to a
free end portion of the clog prevention member and a width of the
supply developer outlet port according to the exemplary embodiment
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Referring to the drawings, exemplary embodiments of the
invention will be described in detail. However, it should be noted
that the invention is not limited to the following exemplary
embodiments. In order to facilitate understanding of the following
description, the following definition is used in the drawings: It
is assumed that a front and rear direction is an X axial direction,
a left direction is a Y axial direction and an up and down
direction is a Z axial direction. Also, directions of side
represented by arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, and Z, -Z will be referred to
as a frontward direction, a rear direction, a right direction, a
left direction, an upper direction, and a lower direction, or
referred to as a front side, a rear side, a right side, a left
side, an upper side, and a lower side, respectively.
[0025] In the drawings, a reference sign having a shape of `` in
`O` represents an arrow from the rear side of paper toward its
front side, and a reference sign having a shape of `x` in `O`
represents an arrow from the front side of paper toward its rear
side.
[0026] In the description with reference to the drawings, members
other than those needed for description will be appropriately
omitted in order to facilitate understanding.
EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT 1
[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating an
image forming apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment 1 of
the invention.
[0028] FIG. 2 is an overall explanatory view illustrating the image
forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 3 is a perspective explanatory view illustrating a
state where a side cover of the image forming apparatus according
to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention is opened.
[0030] In FIGS. 1 to 3, a printer U is an example of an image
forming apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention. In the printer U, a paper feeding tray TR1 that houses a
recording medium S as an example of a medium on which an image is
recorded is disposed in its lower part, and a paper ejection tray
TRh is disposed on its upper face. Also, an operation section UI is
disposed on an upper part of the printer U.
[0031] The printer U according to the exemplary embodiment 1
includes an image forming apparatus body U1, a front cover U2 as an
example of an openable portion disposed on the front side of the
image forming apparatus body U1, and a side cover U3 as an example
of an openable portion disposed on the side of the image forming
apparatus body U1. The front cover U2 opens when an inside of the
image forming apparatus body U1 opens in order to supply developer,
exchange a disabled member, or remove a jammed recording medium S.
The side cover U3 opens when the developer supply container, that
is, a so-called toner cartridge is exchanged. In FIG. 3, when the
side cover U3 of the printer U is moved to an open position, a side
wall of the printer U opens, and it is possible to deal with toner
cartridges TCy, TCm, TCc, and TCk as examples of the developer
accommodation container.
[0032] In FIG. 2, the printer U includes a control section C that
performs various control operations of the printer U; an image
processing section IPS controlled by the control section C; an
image-writing-device driving circuit DL; and a power supplier E.
The power supplier E applies a voltage to charging rollers CRy to
CRk as examples of a charging device to be described later, a
developing roller as an example of a developer carrier, and
transfer rollers T1y to T1k as examples of a transfer device.
[0033] The image processing section IPS converts print information
input from an external image information transmission apparatus
into image information for latent image formation that corresponds
to images of four colors of Y (yellow), M (magenta), C (cyan), and
K (black), and outputs the information to the image-writing-device
driving circuit DL at a predetermined timing. The
image-writing-device driving circuit DL outputs a drive signal to a
latent-image writing device ROS in accordance with the input image
information of the respective colors. The latent-image writing
device ROS emits laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk as examples of
image writing light for writing images of the respective colors, in
accordance with the drive signal.
[0034] In FIG. 2, in the right direction (+Y direction) of the
latent-image writing device ROS, visible image forming devices UY,
UM, UC, and UK that form toner images as examples of visible images
of the respective colors of K (black), Y (yellow), M (magenta), and
C (cyan) are disposed.
[0035] The visible image forming device UK of K (black) includes a
photoconductor Pk as an example of a rotatable image carrier. In
the vicinity of the photoconductor Pk, there is provided the
charging roller CRk as an example of the charging device, a
developing device Gk that develops an electrostatic latent image on
a surface of the photoconductor Pk into a visible image, a
photoconductor cleaner CLk as an example of an image carrier
cleaner that removes developer remaining on the surface of the
photoconductor Pk.
[0036] After the surface of the photoconductor Pk is uniformly
charged by the charging roller CRk in a charging region Q1k in
which the photoconductor Pk is opposed to the charging roller CRk,
the latent image is written by a laser beam LK in a latent image
forming region. The written electrostatic latent image is developed
into a visible image in a developing region in which the
photoconductor Pk is opposed to the developing device Gk. The
visible image forming device UK of black according to the exemplary
embodiment 1 includes: an exchangeable image carrier cartridge in
which the photoconductor Pk, the charging device CRk, and the
photoconductor cleaner CLk are integrally formed; and an
exchangeable developing cartridge having the developing device
Gk.
[0037] Like the visible image forming device UK of black, each of
the visible image forming devices UY, UM, and UC of the other
colors includes an image carrier cartridge and a developing
cartridge, which are detachable from the image forming apparatus
body U1. Also, in the exemplary embodiment 1, the four visible
image forming devices UY to UK are held by a so-called exchange
frame Ut, and the four visible image forming devices UY to UK are
configured to be integrally exchangeable with respect to the image
forming apparatus body U1.
[0038] In FIG. 2, in the front of the photoconductors Py to Pk, a
belt module BM is disposed as an example of a recording-medium
conveyance device supported by the openable portion U2. The belt
module BM includes: a medium conveyance belt B as an example of a
recording-medium carry/conveyance member; a belt drive roller Rd as
an example of a drive member that supports the medium conveyance
belt B; a belt support roller (Rd+Rj) as an example of a
carry/conveyance-member support system including a driven roller Rj
as an example of a driven member; the transfer rollers T1y, T1m,
T1c, and T1k as examples of the transfer devices disposed so as to
face the photoconductors Py to Pk; a belt cleaner CLb as an example
of a carry/conveyance-member cleaner; and a medium adsorption
roller Rk as an example of a recording medium adsorption member
that is disposed so as to face the driven roller Rj and makes the
recording medium S to be adsorbed to the medium conveyance belt B.
The medium conveyance belt B is rotatably supported by the belt
support rollers (Rd+Rj).
[0039] At predetermined time period, an image density sensor SN1
detects a density of an image for density detection, that is, a
so-called patch image formed by an image density adjustment unit,
which is not shown in the drawings, of the control section C. The
image density adjustment unit, on the basis of the image density
detected by the image density sensor SN, adjusts voltages applied
to the charging devices CRy to CRk, the developing devices Gy to
Gk, and the transfer rollers T1y to T1k, and adjusts intensities of
latent image writing light Ly to Lk, thereby adjust and correct the
image densities, that is, a so-called process control.
[0040] The recording medium S of the paper feeding tray TR1
disposed below the medium conveyance belt B is fed out by a paper
feeding member Rp, and is conveyed to a recording-medium conveyance
path SH. The recording medium S in the recording-medium conveyance
path SH is conveyed by a medium conveyance roller Ra as an example
of a recording medium conveyance member, and is sent to register
rollers Rr as an example of a paper feeding time adjustment member.
The register rollers Rr convey, at a predetermined time, the
recording medium S to a recording medium adsorption position Q6
that is in a region where the driven roller Rj is opposed to the
medium adsorption roller Rk. The recording medium S conveyed to the
recording medium adsorption position Q6 is electrostatically
adsorbed to the medium conveyance belt B.
[0041] The recording medium S adsorbed to the medium conveyance
belt B sequentially passes through transfer regions Q3y, Q3m, Q3c,
and Q3k in which the recording medium is brought into contact with
the photoconductors Py to Pk.
[0042] Transfer voltages having a polarity opposed to a charged
polarity of the toner are applied at a predetermined time from the
power supply circuit E controlled by the control section C to the
transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k, which are disposed on the
rear side of the medium conveyance belt B in the transfer regions
Q3y, Q3m, Q3c and Q3k.
[0043] In case of a multi-color image, the toner images on the
photoconductors Py to Pk are superposed on and transferred to the
recording medium S on the medium conveyance belt B by the transfer
rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k. In case of a single-color image,
for example, a monochrome image, only the toner image of K (black)
is formed on the photoconductor Pk, and the tone image of K (black)
is transferred to the recording medium S by the transfer device
T1k. After the toner images are transferred, the photoconductor
cleaners CLy to CLk collect and clean the toner remaining on the
surfaces of the photoconductors Py to Pk, and the photoconductors
Py to Pk are charged again by the charging rollers CRy to CRk.
[0044] The recording medium S to which the toner images are
transferred is subject to fixing in a fixing region Q5 that is
formed by a hating roller Fh as an example of a heating fixation
member of a fixing device F as an example of a fuser and a pressing
roller Fp as an example of a pressing fixation member in contact
with each other. The recording medium S on which the image is fixed
is discharged from discharging rollers Rh as an example of a medium
discharging member to the medium discharging portion TRh.
[0045] After the recording medium S is discharged, the medium
conveyance belt B is cleaned by the belt cleaner CLb.
(Description of Developer Conveyance Device)
[0046] FIG. 4 is an explanatory view illustrating a state where the
toner cartridge as an example of a developer accommodation
container is attached and detached.
[0047] FIG. 5 is an explanatory view illustrating a developer
conveyance device according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention. FIG. 5A is an explanatory view thereof when viewed from
an obliquely rear side. FIG. 5B is a view thereof when viewed from
a direction of the arrow VB shown in FIG. 5A.
[0048] In the following description, since members corresponding to
the colors of Y, M, C, and K have the same configuration,
corresponding reference signs in the drawings are represented by
adding suffixes of y, m, c, and k, and sometimes the suffixes may
be omitted in this application in order to facilitate understanding
of the description.
[0049] In FIGS. 4 and 5, the developer conveyance device 1 is
supported and fixed on the right inside of the image forming
apparatus body U1. The developer conveyance device 1 has a frame
body 2. In the frame body 2, four cartridge mounting portions 3 on
which four toner cartridges TCy, TCm, TCc, and TCk of Y, M, C, and
K are mounted in order from the lower portion are formed.
[0050] In FIGS. 3 to 5, in the cartridge mounting portions 3,
cartridge containers 4 (in FIG. 5A, only the containers of C and K
colors are illustrated, and the other containers of Y and M colors
are omitted) that can contain the toner cartridges TCy, TCm, TCc,
and TCk, respectively, are supported so as to be rotatable about
rear end portions as rotational axes. In the exemplary embodiment
1, the toner cartridges TCy to TCk are detachable from a take-out
position shown in FIG. 4. When the printer U is in use, the
cartridge containers 4 are rotated from the take-out position to
the inside, and then only the toner cartridges TCy to TCk are
shifted frontward. Thereby, the toner cartridges TCy to TCk move to
the mounting position shown in FIG. 3.
[0051] In FIG. 5, on the rear end portion of the cartridge mounting
portions 3, inlet ports 6 (FIG. 5A illustrates only an inlet port
of Y) through which developer sent from the toner cartridges TCy,
TCm, TCc, and TCk flows are formed. In a part of the inlet port 6
of each cartridge mounting portion 3, a shutter member 7 (see FIG.
5A) as an example of an inlet port blocking member is disposed. The
shutter member 7 is movably supported between (i) an open position
in which the inlet port 6 is opened as shown by the shutter member
7 of Y color in FIG. 5A and (ii) a close position in which the
inlet port 6 is closed as shown by the shutter member 7 of M color
in FIG. 5A.
[0052] In FIGS. 5A and 5B, on the frame body 2, there are provided
body-side conveyance-path forming concave portions 8 that are
concave from an outer side and extend from the inlet ports 6 to the
front side. On an inner surface of the frame body 2,
conveyance-path forming members 9 (FIG. 5B illustrates only C and K
colors) are mounted so as to correspond to the body-side
conveyance-path forming concave portions 8. A cylindrical developer
conveyance path 11 is formed by space surrounded by the body-side
conveyance-path forming concave portions 8 and the conveyance-path
forming members 9. In FIG. 6, the developer conveyance paths 11
extend toward the developing devices Gy to Gk. The developer
conveyance path 11 according to the exemplary embodiment 1 is not
formed in a linear shape but in a curved shape. The developer
conveyance path 11 has an inflow-side horizontal conveyance portion
11a that extends from the inlet port 6, an inclination conveyance
portion 11b that is inclined from the inflow-side horizontal
conveyance portion 11a toward an upper part, and a development-side
horizontal conveyance portion 11d that extends from the inclination
conveyance portion 11b toward each of the developing devices Gy to
Gk extending in the horizontal direction.
[0053] FIG. 6 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
between the developer conveyance device and a developing device
according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention. In FIGS.
5B and 6, on the front side of the conveyance-path forming member
9, a developing-device connecting portion 9a constituting the
development-side horizontal conveyance portion 11d is formed. An
outlet port shutter 12 as an example of an outlet port blocking
member is mounted on the developing-device connecting portion 9a. A
spring 13 as an example of an elastic member always biases the
outlet port shutter 12 toward a frontward close position. The
outlet port shutter 12 blocks an outlet port 11f of the developer
conveyance path 11 shown in FIG. 6. Accordingly, when the front
cover U2 is opened and the developing devices Gy to Gk are
detached, the outlet port shutter 12 is moved to the blocking
position by the spring 13. When the developing devices Gy to Gk are
attached, the outlet port shutters 12 are moved, and the
developing-device connecting portions 9a are fitted to target
connecting portions 16 (see FIG. 6) of the developing devices Gy to
Gk. Therefore, it is possible to supply developer from the outlet
ports (not shown in the drawings) to the developing devices Gy to
Gk.
[0054] FIG. 7 is an enlarged explanatory view illustrating a main
portion of the inlet port of the developer conveyance device
according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the invention.
[0055] FIG. 8 is an explanatory view illustrating the developer
conveyance member according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention.
[0056] In FIGS. 5B, 6, and 7, in the developer conveyance path 11,
a developer conveyance member 17 is rotatably supported along the
curved developer conveyance path 11. In FIGS. 5 to 8, the developer
conveyance member 17 includes a rotational shaft 17a and a
helical-shaped conveyance vane 17b that is formed on an outer
peripheral portion of the rotational shaft 17a. The developer
conveyance member 17 according to the exemplary embodiment 1 is
made of a resin material having flexibility, and conveys toner as
an example of developer while bending into a shape following the
developer conveyance path 11 as the developer conveyance member 17
rotates. In FIG. 7, a large-diameter portion 17d having a larger
diameter than the rotational shaft 17a is formed on a position
corresponding to the inlet port 6 of the developer conveyance
member 17, and a clog prevention member mounting portion 17e is
formed on the large-diameter portion 17d. In FIG. 5B, a supplying
motor 19 for each color as an example of a supply driving system
are supported in the rear end portion of the frame body 2. In FIG.
6, a driving gear 20 supported by a driving shaft 19a that extends
from the supplying motor 19 transmits a drive force to a gear 17g
supported by the rear end of the developer conveyance member 17,
thereby driving the developer conveyance member 17 and conveying
toner.
[0057] In FIGS. 7 and 8, an end portion of a clog prevention member
21 is supported by the clog prevention member mounting portion 17e
of the developer conveyance member 17. The clog prevention member
21 according to the exemplary embodiment 1 is formed in a thin film
shape with flexibility, and may be made of a resin such as PET
(polyethylene terephthalate). The clog prevention member 21 goes
into the inlet port 6 as the developer conveyance member 17
rotates, protrudes to the outside of the developer conveyance path
11, and breaks an aggregated developer adhering to the inlet port
6, thereby preventing the inlet port 6 from being clogged up with
the toner. The developer conveyance device 1 according to the
exemplary embodiment 1 includes the members represented by the
reference numerals 2 to 21.
(Description of Developer Supply Container)
[0058] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the developer supply
container according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention.
[0059] FIG. 10 is an exploded view illustrating the developer
supply container according to the exemplary embodiment 1 of the
invention.
[0060] In FIGS. 3, 4, 9, and 10, each of the toner cartridges TCy
to TCk as an example of the developer supply container according to
the exemplary embodiment 1 includes: a box-shaped supply developer
accommodation container 31 in which an opening for replenishing
developer is formed at an end thereof; and a box-shaped
waste-developer accommodation container 32 in which an opening
opposed to the opening of the supply developer accommodation
container 31 is formed. In FIG. 10, the supply developer
accommodation container 31 and the waste-developer accommodation
container 32 are partitioned by a partition member 33.
[0061] In FIG. 10, the partition member 33 includes a partition
member body 33a formed of a plate-shaped resin, and seal members
33b and 33c formed of a plate-shaped elastic material are fixedly
supported on the both sides of the partition member body 33a. A
rotational shaft support through-hole 33d is formed on the
partition member 33. A shaft-end support member 33f is fixedly
supported through a ring-shaped seal member 33e at the seal member
33c of the waste-developer accommodation container 32 side so as to
correspond to the end portion of the rotational shaft through-hole
33d. In addition, in the exemplary embodiment 1, the seal members
33b and 33c and the ring-shaped seal member 33e are made of rubber.
In addition, the seal members 33b and 33c are not limited to the
configuration that the seal members are formed in a plate shape.
However, the seal members may be configured so as to surround
peripheral edge of the partition member body 33a and may be formed
by the two-color molding. Further, the shaft-end support member 33f
may be integrally formed with the partition member body 33a with
the ring-shaped seal member 33e being omitted.
[0062] Inside the waste-developer accommodation container 32, which
is in the front side of each toner cartridges TCy to TCk, a
waste-developer containing space 32a is formed by space sealed by
the partition member 33 and the waste-developer accommodation
container 32. The waste-developer containing space 32a contains
waste developer collected by the photoconductor cleaners CLy to CLk
and the belt cleaner CLb at the time of image forming operation. In
FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, a handle fixing portion 32b is integrally
formed in a right portion of the front side of the waste-developer
accommodation container 32. In FIGS. 4 and 9, a waste-developer
inlet port 32c that connects the waste-developer containing space
32a to the outside is formed in a left-upper portion of the front
end of the waste-developer accommodation container 32. In FIG. 10,
in the waste-developer containing space 32a, a bias-member support
portion 32d is formed in the rear of the waste-developer inlet port
32c.
[0063] A waste developer shutter 34 as an example of an inlet port
openable member that opens and closes the waste-developer inlet
port 32c is supported in the waste-developer inlet port 32c. A
shutter spring 36 as an example of a bias member is mounted between
the waste developer shutter 34 and the bias-member support portion
32d. The shutter spring 36 gives a bias force to the waste
developer shutter 34 to be located at a block position where the
waste-developer inlet port 32c shown in FIGS. 4 and 9 is blocked.
When the toner cartridges TCy to TCk are mounted on the image
forming apparatus body U1 as shown in FIG. 3, a waste-developer
conveyance path extending from each of the photoconductor cleaners
CLy to CLk pushes the waste developer shutter 34 to the inside
against the bias force of the shutter spring 36, and the waste
developer can flow from the waste-developer conveyance path into
the waste-developer containing space 32a.
[0064] In FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, an inlet-port leakage prevention
member 37 surrounding the outer periphery of the waste-developer
inlet port 32c is fixedly supported on the front surface of the
waste-developer accommodation container 32. The inlet-port leakage
prevention member 37 according to the exemplary embodiment 1 is
formed of a foamed member having a so-called sponge shape.
[0065] In the handle fixing portion 32b of the waste-developer
accommodation container 32, a handle 38 as an example of a grip
member that is held by a user in order to manipulate the toner
cartridges TCy to TCk is supported so as to be rotatable about a
rotational center 38a. The handle 38 has a leaf spring portion 38b.
The leaf spring portion 38b gives a bias force to the handle 38 in
a direction apart from the handle fixing portion 32b. In FIGS. 4
and 10, in a right portion of the front side of the handle 38, a
locked portion 38c having a nail shape as an example of a fixing
target portion is formed so as to be locked into the locking
portion 39 as an example of a fixing portion of the image forming
apparatus body U1. Accordingly, when the toner cartridges TCy to
TCk are moved to the mounting positions shown by the toner
cartridge TCc corresponding to C color as in FIGS. 3 and 4, the
locked portion 38c is caught by the locking portion 39 due to the
bias force of the leaf spring portion 38b and locked (fixed) by the
locking portion 39. When the toner cartridges TCy to TCk are moved
from the mounting positions shown in FIG. 3 to the ejecting
positions shown in FIG. 4, firstly, a user holds and rotates the
handle 38, specifically, the user holds the handle fixing portion
32b and the handle 38, there releasing the locking state between
the locked portion 38c and the locking portion 39. When the locking
state is released, it becomes possible to move the toner cartridges
TCy to TCk rearward. When the cartridge containers 4 are rotated,
the toner cartridges TCy to TCk are moved to the take-out
positions.
[0066] In FIGS. 4, 9, and 10, on the lower side of the front side
of the waste-developer accommodation container 32, a storage member
41, that is, a so-called CRUM (Customer Replaceable Unit Memory) is
detachably held. The storage member 41 stores information about
each of the toner cartridges TCy to TCk, that is, for example,
information as to whether or not the toner cartridge is unused,
whether or not the toner cartridge does not contain developer
therein, and how long an accumulated use time is. The storage
member 41 has a terminal portion 41a. The storage member 41 is
configured so that when each of the toner cartridges TCy to TCk is
moved to the mounting position, the storage member 41 can connect
to a terminal portion (not shown in the drawings) provided on the
image forming apparatus body U1 and information can be written into
the storage member 41.
[0067] FIG. 11 is a sectional explanatory view illustrating the
developer supply container according to the exemplary embodiment 1
of the invention.
[0068] In FIGS. 4, 9, and 11, inside the supply developer
accommodation container 31, which is on the rear side of the toner
cartridges TCy to TCk, the supply developer containing space 31a is
formed by the space that is sealed by the partition member 33 and
the supply developer accommodation container 31. The supply
developer containing space 31a contains developer supplied to each
of the developing devices Gy to Gk at the time of the image forming
operation. In the right lower portion of the rear end of the supply
developer accommodation container 31, there is provided a supply
developer outlet port 31b as an example of an outlet port that
communicates with the supply developer containing space 31a and is
connected to the inlet port 6 of the developer conveyance device 1.
In a rear end wall 31c of the supply developer accommodation
container 31, a shaft support through-hole 31d is formed so as to
penetrate the wall in a frontward and backward direction. In an
outer periphery of the shaft support through-hole 31d inside the
rear end wall 31c, a ring-shaped seal member 46 is fixedly
supported in order to prevent developer from leaking from the
supply developer containing space 31a through the shaft support
through-hole 31d.
[0069] In FIG. 9, an information description member 47, that is, a
so-called label in which information about each of the toner
cartridges TCy to TCk is described is attached to an upper face of
the supply developer accommodation container 31.
[0070] In FIG. 10, in the supply developer outlet port 31b, a
cartridge shutter 48 is supported so as to be slidably movable in
the frontward and backward direction. The cartridge shutter 48 as
an example of an outlet port openable member opens and closes the
supply developer outlet port 31b. The cartridge shutter 48
includes: a shutter body 48a; a so-called seal member 48b, that is,
a shutter member that is made of a rubber and is attached to the
supply developer outlet port 31b side of the shutter body 48a; and
a fixing protrusion 48c. In a state where the cartridge container 4
is rotated to the inside and received at the time of mounting each
of the toner cartridges TCy to TCk, the fixing protrusion 48c is
fitted, in the frame body 2 of the developer conveyance device 1,
to the shutter fixing portion 49 (see FIG. 5) formed in the rear
end side of the inlet port 6 and regulates the cartridge shutter 48
not to move. Accordingly, when the cartridge containers 4 is
rotated to the inside and received, the fixing protrusion 48c is
caught and fixed by the shutter fixing portion 49, and when each of
the toner cartridges TCy to TCk is shifted, the supply developer
outlet port 31b is relatively moved with respect to the cartridge
shutter 48, and the supply developer outlet port 31b is opened and
closed.
[0071] FIG. 12 is an explanatory view illustrating a rotational
shaft of an agitator as an example of the developer conveyance
member according to the exemplary embodiment 1. FIG. 12A is a
perspective view thereof. FIG. 12B is a side view thereof when
viewed in a direction of the arrow XIIB in FIG. 12A. In FIGS. 9 to
11, inside the supply developer containing space 31a, the agitator
51 as an example of the developer conveyance member is supported so
as to be rotatable. The agitator 51 has a rotational shaft 52 and a
film member 53 serving as a conveyance-member body supported by the
rotational shaft 52. In FIG. 12, the rotational shaft 52 has a
rotational shaft body 52a that is formed in a rectangular pillar
shape extending in the frontward and backward direction. A first
support target portion 52b is formed on one end portion of the
rotational shaft body 52a and is rotatably supported with being
fitted to the shaft-end support member 33f of the partition member
33. A second support target portion 52c is formed on the other end
portion of the rotational shaft body 52a and protrudes with passing
through the shaft support through-hole 31d of the supply developer
accommodation container 31.
[0072] In one side surface of the rotational shaft body 52a, plural
stirring portions 52d for stirring developer are formed so as to
protrude to the outside. In another side surface of the rotational
shaft body 52a different from the stirring portions 52d, two film
positioning convex portions 52e as an example of a
conveyance-member body positioning portion are formed. On both
sides of the film positioning convex portions 52e, film fixing
portions 52f as an example of a conveyance-member body fixing
portion are formed in a mushroom shape.
[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, in the agitator 51 according to the
exemplary embodiment 1, the rotational shaft 52 is provided at a
position that is not the center portion of the supply developer
containing space 31a having the flat shape, but is apart from the
center portion toward the supply developer outlet port 31b.
[0074] In FIGS. 9 and 10, a driving gear 54 is fixedly supported on
the second support target portion 52c and transmits a driving force
to the rotational shaft 52.
[0075] FIG. 13 is an explanatory view illustrating a film member as
an example of a conveyance-member body of the agitator according to
the exemplary embodiment 1.
[0076] In FIGS. 10, 11 and 13, the film member 53 includes a film
body 53a having a rectangular thin film shape. Positioning holes
53b and 53c are formed in a base end portion, supported by the
rotational shaft 52, of the film body 53a so as to correspond to
the positions of the two film positioning convex portions 52e of
the rotational shaft 52. For the positioning operation, one of the
positioning holes 53b and 53c is formed of a circular hole 53b and
the other is formed of a long hole 53c. On the both sides of the
positioning holes 53b and 53c, fixing target holes 53d are formed
corresponding to the positions of the film fixing portions 52f. The
fixing target holes 53d are formed in such a shape that a circular
hole is formed in a center portion of a slit. The fixing target
holes 53d are elastically deformed when the film fixing portions
52f penetrate therethrough. After the film fixing portions 52f pass
through the fixing target holes 53d, the mushroom-shape front end
portions of the film fixing portions 52f prevent the film fixing
portions 52f from being dropped off.
[0077] In an edge portion of a free end side of the film body 53a,
plural main conveyance slit portions 56 are formed at predetermined
intervals. The plural main conveyance slit portions 56 are inclined
toward the rear side, that is, the supply developer outlet port 31b
side. In an end portion of each main conveyance slit portion 56 on
the base end side, a slit growth prevention portion 56a having a
circular hole shape is formed to prevent the slit from growing
during the time of use. Between the main conveyance slit portions
56, plural sub conveyance slit portions 57 are formed. The sub
conveyance slit portions 57 are formed so as to have a longer slit
as it has more distance from the supply developer outlet port
31b.
[0078] A clog prevention member 58 is provided at a position, in
the film body 53a, corresponding to the supply developer outlet
port 31b. The clog prevention member 58 according to the exemplary
embodiment 1 is defined by (i) a pair of slit portions 58a formed
along a diameter direction of the rotational shaft 52 and (ii) a
pair of virtual lines (shown by the dotted lines in FIG. 13)
extending from base ends of the pair of slit portions 58a to the
base end (one side) of the conveyance-member body. Slit growth
prevention portions 58b are formed in the end portions of the slit
portions 58a on the base end side in the clog prevention member
58.
(Description of Length Relation of Clog Prevention Member)
[0079] FIG. 14 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
between the clog prevention member and the supply developer outlet
port according to the exemplary embodiment 1. FIG. 14A is an
explanatory view illustrating a state where the clog prevention
member protrudes from the developer outlet port. FIG. 14B is an
explanatory view illustrating a free length of the clog prevention
member. FIG. 14C is an explanatory view illustrating a free length
of the clog prevention member according to a modified example of
the exemplary embodiment 1.
[0080] FIG. 15 is an explanatory view illustrating a relation in
length between the clog prevention member and the supply developer
outlet port according to the exemplary embodiment 1.
[0081] In FIGS. 10, 13, 14A and 14B, in the film member 53
according to the exemplary embodiment 1, a free length that is a
length from a portion of the clog prevention member 58 in the
rotational shaft 52 to the end portion 58c on the free end side is
formed to be shorter than free lengths of portions other than the
clog prevention member 58. As shown in FIG. 14C, a free length of
the clog prevention member 58 may be longer than those of the other
portions.
[0082] In FIG. 15, R and r is set to satisfy the following
relation:
R<r
where r denotes the free length of the clog prevention member 58
and R denotes a distance from the rotational center of the
rotational shaft 52 to the developer outlet port 31b. In other
words, the film member 53 is configured so that its free length is
long, and the film member 53 rotates in a bending state as shown in
FIGS. 11, 14, and 15 and stirs and conveys the supply developer
disposed inside.
[0083] FIG. 16 is an explanatory view illustrating a relationship
between a length from the base end portion of the slit portion 58a
to the free end portion of the clog prevention member 58 and a
width of the supply developer outlet port according to the
exemplary embodiment 1.
[0084] According to the exemplary embodiment 1, in FIG. 15, A and R
are set so as to satisfy the following relation:
A<R
where A denotes a distance from the rotational center of the
agitator 51 to the slit growth prevention portion 58b, that is, the
end portion of the slit portion 58a on the base end side. Further,
B and B' are set so as to satisfy the following relation:
B'.gtoreq.B
where B denotes a width from an upstream end edge P2 of the supply
developer outlet port 31b in the rotational direction of the
rotational shaft 52 to a downstream end edge P1 of the supply
developer outlet port 31b in the rotational direction of the
rotational shaft 52, and B' denotes a length from the end portion
58b of the slit portion 58a on the base end side to the end portion
58c of the clog prevention member 58 on the free end side.
[0085] Accordingly, the agitator 51 according to the exemplary
embodiment 1 is set so as to satisfy A<R. Therefore, when the
end portion 58c of the clog prevention member 58 on the free end
side detaches from the upstream end edges P2 as the rotational
shaft 52 rotates, the agitator 51 goes into the supply developer
outlet port 31b, and an amount of its protrusion to the outside
increases as compared with the case of A.gtoreq.R represented by
the dotted line in FIG. 15. Also, the agitator 51 according to the
exemplary embodiment 1 is set so as to satisfy B'.gtoreq.B.
Therefore, when the end portion 58c is detached from the upstream
end edge P2 and moves at a high speed by an elastic restoration
force as the rotational shaft 52 rotates, a region in which the end
portion 58c of the clog prevention member 58 on the free end side
moves at a fast speed widens as compared with the case of B'<B
represented by the dotted line shown in FIG. 16.
(Operation of Exemplary Embodiment 1)
[0086] In the printer U as an example of the image forming
apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment 1 having the
configuration set forth above, when toner of the developing devices
Gy to Gk is consumed in the image forming operation, the toner is
discharged from the supply developer outlet port 31b to the inlet
port 6 by rotating the agitator 51 of the toner cartridges TCy to
TCk. The developer supplied to the inlet port 6 is conveyed and
supplied by rotating the developer conveyance member 17 of the
developer conveyance device 1.
[0087] In the agitator 51 according to the exemplary embodiment 1,
the clog prevention member 58 that is disposed corresponding to the
supply developer outlet port 31b periodically goes into the supply
developer outlet port 31b as the agitator 51 rotates, as shown in
FIG. 14. The developer adhering to the supply developer outlet port
31b is removed by the clog prevention member 58 that periodically
goes into. If there is an aggregated developer, the clog prevention
member 58 breaks the aggregated developer, and thus it is possible
to prevent the supply developer outlet portion 31b from being
clogged up.
[0088] Particularly, in the exemplary embodiment 1, A<R<r and
B'.gtoreq.B are satisfied. Also, the clog prevention member 58
moves at a high speed in the wide region in the supply developer
outlet portion 31b and largely protrude to the outside. Thereby,
the developer adhering to the supply developer outlet port 31b can
be surely removed and it is possible to prevent the supply
developer outlet port 31b from being clogged up.
MODIFIED EXAMPLE
[0089] As described above, the exemplary embodiment of the
invention is described in detail. However, the exemplary embodiment
shows an aspect of invention but does not limit the invention. The
exemplary embodiment may be modified in various ways without
departing from the technical spirit of the invention recited in
claims. Modified examples (H01) to (H06) will be described below.
[0090] (H01) In the exemplary embodiment, a printer is introduced
as an example of an image forming apparatus. However, the invention
is not limited thereto. It is also possible to employ a multi
functional printer having all or a part of functions such as a
printer, a FAX, and a copier. In addition, the invention is not
limited to an image forming apparatus of multi-color development.
It is also possible to configure an image forming apparatus to use
a single color such as black. [0091] (H02) In the exemplary
embodiment, A, R, r, B' and B satisfy the exemplary relationship
described. However, the invention is not limited thereto. It is
also possible to configure a desired length relationship may be set
in accordance with design and specification. [0092] (H03) In the
exemplary embodiment, the clog prevention member 58 is provided by
forming the slit portion 58a in the film member 53. However, the
invention is not limited thereto. It is also possible to configure
the clog prevention member by employing a member independent of the
film member 53. [0093] (H04) In the exemplary embodiment, the
agitator as an example of the developer conveyance member includes
the rotational shaft 52 and the film member 53. However, the
invention is not limited thereto. It is possible to employ such a
configuration that the agitator has a rotational shaft and a
helical-shaped conveyance vane or any configuration of the known
configurations. [0094] (H05) In the exemplary embodiment, the toner
cartridges TCy to TCk are an example of the developer supply
container. However, the configuration of the developer supply
container is not limited to the exemplified configuration according
to the exemplary embodiment. It is possible to employ any desired
configuration. For example, the developer supply container may be
configured so that the waste-developer containing space is omitted.
In addition, it is also possible to employ such a configuration
that a direction of developer discharged by the supply developer
outlet port is not the inclined direction but a horizontal or a
gravitational direction. [0095] (H06) Also, the configuration of
the developer conveyance device 1 is not limited to the exemplified
configuration according to the exemplary embodiment. It is possible
to employ any desired configuration. For example, it is also
possible to employ a storage container, that is, a so-called
reserve tank that temporally stores and stirs the developer
discharged from the developer supply container. Also, it is also
possible to employ such a configuration that the toner cartridges
TCy to TCk are disposed adjacent to the developing devices Gy to Gk
with the developer conveyance device 1 being omitted.
* * * * *